New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Mirca Madianou, "Technocolonialism: When Technology for Good is Harmful" (Polity, 2024)

Feb 1, 2025
Mirca Madianou, a Professor at Goldsmiths, University of London, discusses her groundbreaking concept of technocolonialism. She explores how digital technologies, particularly AI and biometrics, exacerbate power imbalances in humanitarian settings, often exploiting marginalized communities. The conversation unveils the historical ties between technology and colonialism, critiques the use of tech solutions in humanitarian aid, and advocates for greater cultural sensitivity in technology applications. Madianou emphasizes the need for community-driven approaches in addressing digital inequities.
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